PHOENIX — Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is expected to make his preseason debut against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, but Phoenix isn’t focused on star power debuts.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Instead, the team is focused on building chemistry and bonds during the preseason.
Mar 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After reaching the NBA Finals in 2021, the Suns have struggled to find success in recent years. Last season was a crossroads for Phoenix, as injuries and underperformance caused them to miss the playoffs entirely. However, changes came that completely reconstructed the Suns.
With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal gone and Jordan Ott in his first year as head coach, Tuesday’s game will be treated as a preview of what’s to come. This will be the first time this preseason that Phoenix is in front of the home crowd.
Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1), forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While preseason games won’t carry over in the regular season, the Suns are using each one to lay a foundation for when the games start to count. Phoenix isn’t focused on social media buzz, but rather on building trust and growth within the team.
The Suns, led by veteran Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, have taken two out of three games in the preseason so far, showing signs of a group learning how to win with and without their star power.
Mar 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Phoenix and Los Angeles have had classic matchups over the years, as both teams have stacked talent with championship aspirations. Although it’s only a preseason game, Dončić’s debut and a matchup between two Western Conference foes make it one to watch, even for those who don’t root for either team.
For Suns fans, it’ll be an opportunity to see the new, rebuilt team put their chemistry to the test at home. For the Lakers fans, it’ll be all eyes on Dončić as he begins his full first year in a Lakers uniform since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks late last season.
Oct 3, 2025; Palm Desert, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots past Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) during the second half at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Dončić may take up most of the headlines on Tuesday, but Phoenix isn’t worried about headlines as it focuses on development for its future.
Ready to lead by the Book. pic.twitter.com/CaiW7XdMfg
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 14, 2025
The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers play on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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